1992 MITSUBISHI 3000GT VR4
Owner DarkMatterM4
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Vehicle 1992 MITSUBISHI 3000GT VR4
Engine Type 6 Cylinder Twin Turbo
Vehicle Class Grand Tourer
Color Lamp Black
Updated 11-12-2010 02:24 PM
Mileage 128,000 Miles
Price
Purchase Date
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Description
This story begins in the spring, five years ago. I've been looking for a 1G VR4 for 6 months. Everytime I found one(rarely), it would always slip away. After much searching I found a wonderful VR4.

The car needed a lot of work, both cosmetically and mechanically. The previous owner hit a curb at 40mph about one year previously so the car was sitting until then. The tie rod, as well the control arm, was destroyed beyond repair. So was the strut and the rest of the suspension. Strangely enough, there was no chassis damage. The car also did not start, because the aftermarket alarm was tripped on the car and the previous owner did not know how to disable it. I gave him $2500 in cash, got the title and put her on a flatbed. Got her home and started working on it right away. First thing that was done, we ripped out the aftermarket alarm and wired in an S2000 engine start button to get the car to start.

The car fired up and ran great. Even on one-year-old gasoline, which was later drained. Oil pressure was good, nothing strange besides the common lifter tick. Next came all the suspension work. I ordered all the parts for the suspension. Came around to be about $800. Installed everything and put on a spare tire and took her for a drive for the first time. The car ran pretty darn good. The transmission grinded into 3rd gear, so the synchro was defective. The car drove perfectly straight, with no vibration or noises.

After several minutes, the dash lights started to fade and the car was running out of electrical power. Drove it home and checked the alternator the very next day. Everything was fine and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. I popped open the fuse box and saw that the ALT 120amp fuse was toast. Got another fuse and the car was perfect mechanically. I replaced the dented fender and gave the car its first and much deserved wash.

A week later I got my hands on a stock wheel to replace my spare and damaged rim. The car was great for about 8 months with a few issues here and there such as an exploded brake disc.

During those 8 months, the boost pressure was upgraded from 9psi to 15psi via Hallman Pro MBC. A stage 3, 6 puck clutch was installed. The injectors were upgraded from the stock 360cc to the blue top DSM 450cc injectors along with a Walbro 255lph fuel pump and S-AFC. The catalytic converter was removed, the turbocharger pre-cats were gutted and an aftermarket downpipe was installed.

Fast forward a bit, and a new set of wheels fell into my lap. They were 93 VR4 wheels which are the same style but in chrome.

And then catastrophy struck. The auto tensioner failed and the timing belt skipped lots of teeth, damaging the valvetrain. The car was down for about 3 months.

Luckily, I had an extra set of twin turbo heads in the garage. While replacing the heads, I also picked up a set of 99 lifters to stop the lifter tick. The car was back on the road at around Christmas time and needless to say, it was a great Christmas.
After a few more months, I was able to get my hands on a very very rare Kaze Aerocraft front spoiler. Which retails in Japan for about ¥50,000. I also got my hands on an updated, second generation center taillight section.

Next, came time to paint it. We did the majority of the prep work and then it was off to the paint shop.

I almost fainted when I got it back, 2 days later. Anyone who has ever picked their car up from the paint shop after a repaint will know exactly what I'm talking about.

Later on I encountered a problem that is common on the AWD 3S, I had a transfer case lock up. During this situation, the lubrication inside the transfer case leaks out and metal shavings begin to accumulate and then suddenly with out warning, all 4 wheels would lock up. Luckily, it happened to me at 5mph in a residential neighborhood. 10 minutes prior to lockup, I was going 65mph on the interstate. Needless to say, I would have been killed if it locked up I-295. My message to all the owners of AWD 3000GTs and Stealths, CHECK YOUR TRANSFER CASES NOW! Not in an hour or tomorrow. NOW! I have heard of too many stories of good guys getting injured, dying and beautiful cars getting destroyed because they would neglect their transfer cases.

I picked up a used transfer case and installed it. 2 weeks later, my replacement transfer case sprung a leak and I got rid of it. I bought another one that was rebuilt 5,000 miles ago and installed it. The driveshaft failed about 2 months later which needed to be replaced. The darn thing weighs 65lbs.

About 2 months later, driving home from a local car meet I got a flat tire. Rather than replacing the tire, I figured now would be a good time to get some new wheels. I ordered a set of replica Saleen wheels and a set of 255/40/18 tires.

Did some wiring work to get the foglights to come on with the marker lights and also stumbled across a very rare set of Kaze Aerocraft side markers. I got them for a damn good deal considering that the retail price for them is ¥24,000.

This is how the car looks at this point and time. We have been through a lot together in these short years and I can't wait to mod the car further. Next year, I am going full speed ahead with the turbo upgrade, transmission repair, intercooler upgrade and suspension.

I dedicate this to all of my friends and family that made this dream become a reality for me. I would never be able to do it without you guys. Thanks for everything!

:Modifications to date:
/Performance
Walbro 255lph fuel pump
450cc DSM injectors
Hallman Pro MBC @ 15psi
Stage 3 6-puck clutch
Drilled & slotted brake rotors
Downpipe
Gutted pre-cats
3rd gen lifters/lash adjusters
Tein S-tech springs
Vacuum Reduction
ABS delete
A/C delete
Full 25 spline conversion
Y-pipe upgrade

/Visual
Kaze Aerocraft Front Lip Spoiler
Kaze Aerocraft Side Markers/Turn Signals
Custom "sleepy eye" snake lenses
18x9 Saleen wheels
2nd gen center taillight garnish
Chrome Mitsubishi Emblem
Foglight mod

/Other
S2000 Engine Start button
Alpine Type-S speakers

Comments
User Posted Date Comments
11-17-2010
Your car is simply amazing! You have given me some ideas for my black 1G.
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